As we concluded our discussion of Pride and Prejudice last week, I contemplated the lovely way that Miss Austen drew her novel to a close. The weddings that tied the novel up so neatly happened only when the characters themselves came to terms with their preconceived notions, often discounting their initial observations. Austen clearly realizes as that old deodorant commercial noted, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression." She even had originally entitled the book, First Impressions. However, a careful reader will also see her subtext regarding the pitfalls of jumping to hasty conclusions, whether these leaps are the result of a person's dress or mannerisms or conversation. We are all more than one can possibly know through a few moment's acquaintance.
Austen no doubt wants her readers to learn the lessons that Lizzy and Darcy took some while to inculcate. Judging others in a hasty way, as Lizzy does when falling for Wickham or disliking Darcy, can have unintended results. I believe Jane Austen understands our tendency to like or dislike others after a brief encounter; maybe in this novel, she is asking us to pause in our judgment. Now that is a lesson we all can see the value in.In saying goodbye to Jane Austen, I hope to remember her bidding. Off to Dante later this week. But a few words on that superwoman Antigone must precede our descent to Hell.
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